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Demand for mortgage advice may be high among FTBs

There is always demand for people who have been through mortgage advisor training. Borrowing money against a property is a big deal and consumers are keen to make the right decisions.

By seeking information and guidance from a specialist, people can help ensure they make the best choices.

First-time buyers (FTBs) may be particularly keen to tap the knowledge of individuals who have had financial advisor training. According to figures produced by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), the number of first-time buyers reached its highest yearly total in five years in 2012.

It noted that over the course of the 12-month period, a total of 216,200 FTBs became homeowners. This was the first time that the annual total exceeded 200,000 since 2007. Meanwhile, it represented an increase of 12 per cent on 2011, when 193,000 loads were advanced.

The CML also revealed that £7.6 billion was loaned to FTBs in the last quarter of 2012. However, in December lending dropped by 12 per cent compared with November. Meanwhile loans to FTBs totalled £2.4 billion during the final month of last year. This was a fall of 11 per cent compared with November.

It was also revealed that FTBs accounted for 42 per cent of all house purchase lending during in December.

Commenting on the findings, CML director general Paul Smee said: “Despite the seasonal dip in lending that we normally see in December, the underlying trend for year-on-year increases in house purchase activity continued in 2012.”

The expert went on to state: “FTBs, in particular, have benefitted from the effects of better funding conditions and the Funding for Lending scheme, with the number of new people moving into home-ownership in 2012 reaching the highest level for five years. This, along with other factors, confirms that lenders really are open for business.”